Total pages in book: 131
Estimated words: 118860 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 118860 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
“Here? Now? Before we enter Dominic and Solange’s home?”
“Yes. I think it is best to do it quickly, right here and now, especially if that will help to put Dominic and Solange at ease. I’ve made up my mind, and I don’t want to think too much about it. So let’s get it done.”
What’s the holdup? Dominic asked.
Sarika has offered a gift beyond price to my brothers and Luiz. He sent all of them her offer using the pathway of the ancients. Vampires had been Carpathians, and using the common communication could mean one chanced being overheard by the enemy.
There has been no coercion? She was terrified of all things Carpathian, in particular, taking of her blood, Dominic pointed out.
She still is, but she is determined to do this. Tomas couldn’t help the surge of pride in his lifemate. She was much stronger than anyone gave her credit for. Even him. He had underestimated her.
Have you told her the repercussions? Mataias asked. That we will always be able to find her? That if she tried to run, there would be no hope of escape?
I have already made the first true blood exchange. She would be unable to hide from me, Tomas said. This is her idea, and she is determined, but if we do this, it must take place immediately.
Luiz gently took Sarika’s elbow and drew her close to him. “Little cousin, we are ancients and have endured for centuries. We would not lose our honor at this late date. What you offer is an incredible gift, but not necessary when it is very frightening to you.”
“I have no doubt that the three of you would never break your code, Luiz. That isn’t why I want to do this. I believe if you can share color and emotion, even a small amount, it will ease you in times of trouble. And the three of you strike me as men who are always in trouble. Not to mention, recognizing your sense of humor will go a long way toward others not being so fearful of you. It’s also important to me that your friends don’t treat you with suspicion.”
“The point of being me is to strike fear into their hearts,” Luiz objected.
Tomas felt that spark of humor in him through his connection with Sarika. She had said she felt the emotions of the ancients when they couldn’t, but he didn’t understand until that moment. Luiz was a De La Cruz. He might have his jaguar, but he was wholly of that lineage. Every warrior long past had poured their knowledge and pain into him. He carried a very heavy burden, more so than most. Worse, the De La Cruz line had something twisted in it. Something that made them incredible predators, more so than most Carpathian hunters. There was very little civilized about them, and they didn’t try to be. To find that humor was incredible. To realize Luiz had a sense of humor, that it was even there, was huge.
“Well, you’ll have to strike a little less fear,” Sarika said. “Because, for me, this is necessary.”
Tomas liked that she stood up for herself. He didn’t interfere or add to her arguments. She needed to feel in control, and if he stepped in, that control would be taken from her.
Don’t allow her to do this yet. Solange is coming out and wishes to speak with her.
The point, Dominic, is not to use the word allow, Tomas objected. She needs to feel in control, and this is a decision she made, not me. This came as a surprise. Taking it away from her would set us back weeks. As you well know, we are tracking Justice. We may have lost him and can afford to give my lifemate a few days to acclimate, but she has to have accepted all that being my lifemate entails.
If this is her decision, Tomas, she will persuade Solange that it is hers alone.
Dominic’s decree set Tomas’ teeth on edge. That monster inside him burst forth, rearing up like a volcanic eruption. Lojos and Mataias immediately flanked him, ready to go to battle.
You are overstepping your perceived authority, Dominic, Tomas reminded. You have no right to interfere with my lifemate. Consider this visit canceled. Give our regrets to your lifemate.
He took Sarika’s elbow. “We’re leaving this place. Come with me now.” He gave her no choice, taking her with him as his brothers and Luiz closed ranks around them.
On the path in front of them, the leaves blew into a wild eddy, whirling up like a small twister. A woman appeared out of the leaves. She was short with an hourglass figure but appeared all muscle. Her eyes were amber with hints of green. Her hair was very thick, evidence of her jaguar heritage, a dark sable with a few golden streaks. If one looked closely, they would see the tiny scars that covered her face and body.